Mental Health: DVDs on the shelf

The interviews look at the prejudices people have, the stereotypes that have been created and where such opinions come from. Fact or fiction? They also talk openly about how they would like to see attitudes change.

The Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing has introduced the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative. This five year Initiative provides health care professionals with more tools and options to help recognise, address and support mental health illness in Australia.

The program focuses on Australian youth, the onset of disorders such as bipolar disease and schizophrenia, the incidence of substance misuse as a co-morbidity factor, and appropriate management strategies for rural and remote patients, carers, and health professionals involved in the management of a mental health emergency.

Maintaining mental health in a complex, demanding society is necessary for participation in our world. Accountability for healthy choice is good for people and society. This program shows many aspects of mental health at a personal level, with steps and processes for recovering and maintaining well-being. It also explains how community structures play a crucial role in offering resources and systems of living that encourage mental well-being.

This program discusses latest evidence and key considerations for rural practitioners when diagnosing and managing depression in adolescents and young adults, as well as identifying key resources available and exploring the experience of consumers affected by depression. The draft Clinical Practice Guidelines: Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults, funded and developed by beyondblue, is referred to during the discussion

This set of 6 interconnected short films centres around six teenage friends, each facing their own issues including low self esteem, homosexuality, crime, and drink driving. '6' provides a starting point for young men to discuss male emotional health and help seeking behaviour.

Mental health problems affect one in five of us every year, and many of these conditions first affect people during their teenage years. This Speaking from Experience DVD features eight young people who share their experiences of dealing with mental health issues.